# Printing and binding your dissertation or thesis in Paris

A dissertation or thesis is printed and bound in a **copy shop** or a digital print shop. In Paris, many workshops do it in a few hours, especially near the universities. Here are the steps to arrive with a ready file and avoid unpleasant surprises on submission day.

## 1. Preparing the file

- **A single PDF**, pages in order, including the cover if it is printed with the inside pages.
- **Fonts embedded** when exporting, so that the layout does not move.
- **An even page count** if you print double-sided: add a blank page if needed. The [page count calculator](https://imprimeur.paris/en/guides/calculateurs/) shows how many pages to add depending on the binding.
- **Inside margins** of at least 2 cm on the binding side, so that the text does not disappear into the spine.

The guide [Preparing your file](https://imprimeur.paris/en/guides/preparer-son-fichier/) details the checks to make before printing.

## 2. Choosing the binding

| Binding | Look | Strengths | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perfect binding (glued square spine) | Paperback book | Neat look, title on the spine possible | Calculate the spine width; does not open flat |
| Spiral or rings | Notebook | Opens flat, economical | No title on the spine |
| Cloth or hardcover binding | Hardback book | Durable, for deposit or archive copies | Longer turnaround and higher cost |

For a square-spine binding, the guide [Spine width](https://imprimeur.paris/en/guides/epaisseur-dos/) explains how to calculate the width of the cover's spine.

## 3. Paper and printing

- **Inside pages**: white paper of 80 to 100 g/m², black and white or colour depending on the figures.
- **Cover**: board of 200 to 300 g/m², or a clear front cover and a card back cover for spiral binding.
- **Double-sided**: thinner and less paper; single-sided is sometimes requested for a thesis.

## 4. Turnaround times

Outside submission periods, many workshops print and bind a dissertation **the same day**. In June and September, or the day before a deadline, demand soars: send your file in advance or allow a day's margin. Some workshops are **open on Saturday**.

## 5. Before leaving the workshop

- Leaf through a copy: page order, colour figures, blank pages.
- Check the title on the cover and on the spine.
- Keep the final PDF: it is often needed for the digital submission.

## Where to go in Paris

The imprimeur.paris directory lists the workshops that print and bind dissertations and theses, by district, with their opening hours and whether they open on Saturday: see the product page “Bound dissertations and theses” in the Products section.

## Frequently asked questions

### Which binding should I choose for a dissertation?

Perfect binding (glued square spine) looks like a book and suits most dissertations. Spiral or ring binding opens flat and costs less. Some schools require a specific binding: check your programme's rules first.

### How long does it take to print a dissertation?

Many copy shops print and bind a dissertation in a few hours, sometimes in under an hour outside submission periods. In June and September, queues get longer: allow a day's margin.

### Single-sided or double-sided?

Double-sided printing reduces thickness and paper; single-sided is sometimes required for theses submitted for deposit. Follow your institution's instructions.

### What paper for a dissertation?

White paper of 80 to 100 g/m² for the inside pages, and a thicker cover (200 to 300 g/m²) or a clear front cover and a card back cover for spiral bindings.

### Do I need a PDF file?

Yes: a single PDF, with fonts embedded, keeps the exact layout. A Word file may shift on the printer's computer.

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Updated on 2 November 2026. Source : https://imprimeur.paris/en/guides/imprimer-memoire-these/